Vortex Gaming

The reason Dareu mechanical keyboards gained attention was because of the gasket mount, which was previously only seen in expensive custom builds. It was not only the first time it was applied to a pre-built product, but it also featured a PCB material reinforcement plate, quick-swap, PBT keycaps, 3-mode wired/wireless connection, and various types of switches. With the addition of more lineups, it even supports LCD screens, making it consistently popular. Recently, the A104PRO FLEX model with a modified internal structure has been released. Let's check in this review whether it will show the same excellent typing feel and cost-effectiveness as previous products.

"Dareu A104PRO FLEX Package"

This FLEX model has no changes in terms of color (Ice Blue, Alluvial Gold, Red Beige, Smoky Blue) and functionality compared to the existing A104PRO. However, it uses a flex-cut PCB and the internal structure has been changed to include Poron plate foam, IXPE switch pads, PET switch pads, and Poron bottom foam, providing a quieter and softer key feel.

The package includes the keyboard, a dustproof cover, a USB C to A cable for charging and wired connection, additional keycaps, an integrated switch and keycap remover, a quick manual and instructions, and a silicone knob cover.

"Dareu A104PRO FLEX Design"

Retro beige color, with accent keycaps pre-installed on the Enter and ESC keys. The 104-key full array layout including the number keys seems optimal for general office work. Platform switching is possible with FN+W combination for both Windows and Mac systems, and on Mac, the Windows key functions as alt, and ALT functions as the command key.

The Korean/English legends and the retro-colored housing and keycap configuration are so well-matched that there's no need for separate replacements. On the right side, a 1.14-inch TFT LCD and a knob for controlling various functions are placed without layout discrepancies, enhancing usability.

On the left side of the A104PRO, which supports three connection methods, there is a mode switch to change between 2.4GHz, wired, and Bluetooth 5.1. On the top left, you can see the stored receiver and the C port for cable connection.

The bottom surface may seem simple with only height adjustment stands, but if you look closely, it has patterns and text.

The keycap surface feels good and there are few injection molding marks, so the condition is satisfactory. The material is PBT, the legends are double-shot injected to prevent wear, and the height is made with a Cherry profile. A white polycarbonate PC plate is used, and a silicone pad is attached under the spacebar to block internal sounds leaking through the gaps in the plate when typing.

The PCB supports hot-swapping and is compatible with both 3-pin and 5-pin switches, allowing for replacement with various switches. Thanks to the forward-facing SMD LED, there are fewer restrictions on keycap replacement, and the stabilizers are well-lubricated. The custom switch, Low-Noise Mustard, has an actuation force of 40±5gf, making it light and quiet, similar to the existing Low-Noise Beige version from Dareu.

Charging occurs simultaneously when wired. The 4000mAh high-capacity lithium battery can be used wirelessly for up to about 30 days with the LED off, and up to 5 days with it on after a full charge. If no input occurs for a certain period, it automatically enters power-saving mode to improve battery efficiency.

"Dareu A104PRO FLEX Features, Typing"

The RGB backlight with 16.8 million colors has good brightness and color, and mode changes can be made with FN + [, and solid colors can be applied with FN + ].

The knob and LCD are one of the recent keyboard trends. The knob has smooth movement and a decent click feel. It can be used to adjust the volume in conjunction with Windows and to select LCD menus. The display shows the remaining battery, connected mode, WIN Lock, Caps Lock, Num Lock, and Bluetooth connection status, and you can also set GIF images to be uploaded with the dedicated software.

The dedicated software can only be used in "Wired Mode" and supports mapping to change specific keys to desired functions, macros, RGB LED MODE and solid color application, lighting timer, and various Visualization Modes where the LED moves to the sound. Unfortunately, Korean is not yet supported.

For GIF images, several samples are provided, and you can upload desired images via import. Almost all GIF files can be used, and the size is unlimited, but they are automatically resized for output.

Dareu's switches, such as Sky, Violet PRO, Low-Noise Beige, Low-Noise Tactile, and Snow, have been of high quality and have provided excellent typing experiences, so expectations were high for the Low-Noise Mustard as well. Although the sound was recorded a bit loudly, the typing feel is definitely smooth and quiet, which is attractive. In addition, there's a non-contact-like bubbling feel, and thanks to the multi-layered foam sound dampening, solid housing, and gasket structure, the sound is neat and there is almost no noticeable echo or noise. The stabilizers are also well-leveled.

In a PC desktop environment, a receiver connection is mainly used, but if a Bluetooth connection is needed, multi-pairing up to 3 devices is possible with FN+1,2,3. Also, wired and 2.4Ghz support a 1000Hz polling rate and N-key rollover, making it useful in a gaming environment as well.

"Dareu A104PRO FLEX Review"

Dareu keyboards still don't disappoint in terms of cost-effectiveness. It's definitely a recommendable product with a very good typing feel, gasket mount, LCD, knob, and other features that have received good reviews, as well as a reasonable price. If you are looking for a keyboard to use in a quiet environment, the Dareu A104PRO FLEX with the changed sound-absorbing material and the Low-Noise Mustard switch will be an excellent choice. It seems that there is nothing to be desired in terms of completeness, convenience, and functionality compared to the price.

"This review was written after receiving a product from BFriend, the official distributor of Dareu."

IT 인벤 유저리뷰사용기쵸이스진상
2024-05-17